Govt Issues Further Economy Measures, Bans Printing Of Books On Imported Paper

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Finance, in its latest instructions on expenditure management, informed all ministries/departments including attached offices/subordinate offices and autonomous bodies that no printing/publishing of books, publications, documents, etc. will be done on imported paper, except where printing is done abroad by organizations like Indian Missions.

Keeping in mind the present fiscal situation and consequent pressure on government resources, the ministry feels there is a need for further economy and rationalization of non-priority expenditure, while protecting and preserving priority expenditure.

The government had earlier instructed all ministries/departments to stop printing diaries, calendars, schedulers etc. and get them done digitally.

Following are the other instructions which will come into force with immediate effect:

* Expenditure on functions such as celebrations of Foundation Day, etc. should be discouraged or if felt necessary be appropriately curtailed. Travel for such functions and provision of bags or mementoes should be avoided.

* A review be carried out of the Consultants appointed in all ministries/departments and reduce the number of Consultants to the minimum requirement.

BAN ON CREATION OF NEW POSTS

There will be a ban on creation of new posts, except with the approval of Department of Expenditure, in ministries/departments, attached offices, subordinate offices, statutory bodies and autonomous bodies.

This ban will cover creation of posts under powers which have been delegated to any organization regardless of the source of such authority or power.

If any posts have been created after July 1, 2020, under delegated powers or authority, without approval of Department of Expenditure and have not yet been filled, such posts shall not be filled. If it is deemed absolutely essential to fill them, proposals may be sent for approval of Department of Expenditure.

Secretaries of the ministries/departments shall be fully charged with the responsibility of ensuring compliance of the above instructions. Financial advisers shall assist respective departments in securing compliance with these measures.

Also Read: Govt Pushes For Calendars, Diaries To Be Done Digitally; No More Printed Material